To mark the renovation of the Luther House (Augusteum) in Wittenberg, mawa collaborated with lighting designer Jan Dinnebier to develop a series of luminaires at the turn of the millennium. Since 2003, these luminaires have illuminated the world’s largest museum dedicated to the history of the Reformation, and even today—now in their fourth generation—they bear the name of their original installation site.
The former Augustinian monastery and Luther’s residence has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 and invites visitors to follow in the footsteps of the Reformation. Just as the Reformation had a profound impact on the church and society, so too was this project pivotal to mawa’s development into a manufacturer of technical lighting.
The luminaire series remains part of the portfolio today and has been continuously refined over two decades. It is now one of many series, featuring modern LED technology and designed without visible screws or cables. A wide variety of models and an extensive range of accessories make wittenberg 4.0 a true all-rounder and mawa’s best-selling product.
A smart range of models
The result was a family of luminaires whose portfolio already included ceiling, wall, floor, and profile lights at that time. To this day, they all share the common feature of a movable light head. One of its distinctive features was that it was recessed into the housing so that it was flush with the surface. This allowed for full mobility without compromising the light beam.
The horizontally positioned halogen bulb was an absolute novelty at the time. In contrast to the central vertical arrangement, this allowed the light head to be designed significantly flatter. The challenge was to position the reflector and the bulb at the ideal distance within the smallest possible space.
Solutions for various installation scenarios
Extra-low-profile track spotlights were developed specifically for the temporary exhibition spaces with their limited ceiling heights. In the new building, the lights were integrated into exposed concrete and suspended ceilings.
Vault lighting with multi-bulb wall-mounted spotlights
Where the Luther family once served meals to their relatives and friends, Wittenberg light fixtures now illuminate the imposing vaulted ceiling in a multi-light arrangement. Mounted on pedestals, they highlight Cranach’s panel depicting the Ten Commandments at the front of the refectory.
